2016 Shiraz (Estate Grown)

technical details

Harvest Date 27th February 2016 | Alcohol 14.5%

Wine Makers

Marc Scalzo and Jonathon Thompson

Maturation

Viognier 3% was added prior to ferment with some stalks ~5% added to add to the wine complexity and provide some delicate floral notes lifting the colour. Grapes were slowly fermented to dry over 3 weeks and softly pressed off skins, wine was then put through malolactic fermentation. Matured in 30% new, 70% 2yr-5yr old French oak for 20 months prior to blending and bottling.

Background

The Shiraz was the second variety planted at Mt Pilot Estate in 1995. It was planted on two root stocks Paulsen and Ruggeri. The rootstock, whilst selected for Phyloxera control, saved this part of the vineyard during drought of 2005 – 2009. The Shiraz clone is believed to be from a 1880 clone that is known as a perennial high quality grape with low yields. The Shiraz have been able to survive for 5 years without irrigation in some of the hottest summers on record. The vines in 2016 cropped at 3000kg / Ha and are spur pruned with the west side of the canopy left to sprawl and give protection from the afternoon sun and the east side lifted with wires to let the morning sun in.

Vintage Description

The 2016 vintage was remembered for the coolish start and a relatively mild summer with little rain occurring over the period of bud burst to harvest, it was one of the few summers with 1-2 days over 40c some sort of a record. Most grape varieties prefer a mild summer without too much extreme heat. Picking reverted back to average for the vineyard with the spring soil moisture setting up the canopy to provide enough shade to protect the fruit. The mild summer supported the development of some wonderful varietal flavours and mouth-watering soft tannins. Some supplementary irrigation was added.

Wine Description

The Shiraz is a deep rich dark moody red, the nose has a ripe fruit, with black berries and chocolate hints as well as some floral notes from the Viognier. There are some strong pepper notes found reflecting the cooler summer. There is some delicious spicy oak in significant dollops but it’s yummy oak and the palate has lots of richness, sweet fruit with less alcohol than previous vintages and wine make Marc Scalzo who has finessed the wine making. It’s a medium bodied wine as per the vintage but has sweet fruit and soft tannins as is de rigour at Mt Pilot Estate, it also has elegance and balance and is best enjoyed with dishes such as rack of lamb, pasta or veal.